Chicken stew with quinces

Chicken stew with quince is a recipe that harmoniously combines the sweet-sour flavors of quinces with the juiciness of chicken, offering a truly surprising and delicious result. This recipe is not only simple but also an excellent way to bring an unusual ingredient to the plate. The quince, with its distinct aroma, adds a touch of flavor and an attractive appearance to the dish. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (about 800-1000 g)
- 3 medium potatoes (about 600 g)
- 1 large quince (about 300-400 g)
- 1 large onion
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 30 ml olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 cup of boiled water (about 250 ml)

Necessary utensils:
- Baking tray
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Cleaning and cutting the vegetables: Start by peeling the 3 potatoes, then slice them into rounds about 1 cm thick. This will ensure even and quick baking.

2. Onion: Peel the onion and cut it into rings or cubes, depending on your preference. The onion will add a sweet note and perfectly complement the flavor of the quinces.

3. Quince: Now it's time to deal with the quince. Wash it well, then cut it into slices about 1 cm thick. If you are not familiar with quince, it has a firm texture and a tart taste, perfect for cooking, but not recommended for raw consumption.

Assembling the dish:
1. Arranging the ingredients: In a baking tray, place a layer of potato rounds, followed by onion and then chicken thighs. Place the quince slices on top of the thighs, allowing their juice to seep into the meat during baking. This technique will enhance the flavors and add a special taste to the dish.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add other preferred spices, such as sweet paprika or herbs, to personalize your stew.

3. Adding water: Pour a cup of boiled water over the ingredients in the tray. This will help maintain moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.

4. Covering and baking: Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the ingredients to cook evenly. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 40 minutes.

Finishing the dish:
1. Browning the thighs: After 40 minutes, remove the tray from the oven. Remove the aluminum foil and place the chicken thighs on the surface. This step will help achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

2. Final baking: Put the tray back in the oven and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes until the thighs are golden and crispy.

Serving:
The chicken stew with quince is served hot, alongside a light green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade would perfectly complement the meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Variations: You can replace the chicken thighs with other types of meat, such as turkey, or experiment with seasonal vegetables.
- Juicier quince: If you find juicier quinces, you can reduce the amount of water added to avoid an overly wet dish.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the stew the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, you can bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes of baking.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken stew with quince is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, while the quince provides vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system. The potatoes offer essential carbohydrates for energy, and the onion brings additional health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory compounds.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned quinces? It is recommended to use fresh quinces for the best flavor.
- How can I tell when the stew is ready? Check if the chicken thighs are well-cooked, and the juices running from the meat are clear.
- How long can the stew be kept? It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in airtight containers.

The culinary experience with this chicken stew with quince will surely be a memorable one. The unusual combination of flavors will surprise and delight even the most discerning foodies. So, I wish you happy cooking and enjoy your meal!